“Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.” W.E.B. Du Bois
It is with great pleasure that I serve as your Principal for the 2023-2024 academic year. As the quote above so boldly states, “We are in the seed time and working towards greatness at Gary Road Intermediate.” However, this can only be achieved with strong parental and community partnerships. When we work together for the achievement of all students, we will yield great results. I consider it an honor to serve the students and members of this wonderful Byram Community.
After graduating high school, I enrolled at Mississippi College and earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Education Specialist Degree. I graduated from William Carey University with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I have 9 years of classroom teaching experience and 15 years of administrative experience at the high school and elementary level. During my career, I have received numerous awards, accolades and recognition for excellence in education. Currently, I serve on numerous Educational Boards in the state of Mississippi and Washington, D.C.
Outside of education, I am very active in community service in the Jackson metropolitan area. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and previously served as Recording Secretary of the Rho Xi Lambda chapter in Canton, MS. In addition, I volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of MS and Habitat for Humanity.
As we approach this school year with a growth mindset, I am pleased to announce the future implementation of several mentorship programs to take place at Gary Road Intermediate. These programs will target the areas of academic achievement, self-esteem, corrective self-behavior, and the value of students as a whole. I look forward to working with all students and parents at GRI.
Again, thanks for allowing me to serve this great school community.
Please feel free to email me at arjones@hinds.k12.ms.us or call me at the school (601-372-8150).